DECEMBER 12 • 2019 | 53
anything less from Michelle
Obama’
s former head speech-
writer. Hurwitz provides
footnotes and an amazing
appendix of books for explor-
ing Judaism.
GRANDPARENTS
Ralph Lauren: In His Own
Fashion
By Alan Flusser, Abrams
Books, $50
This stunning
coffee-table
book chroni-
cles the rise of
fashion icon
Ralph Lauren
with beautiful
photographs
of his collections for men and
women. He was born Ralph
Lifshitz in the Bronx, and
the first chapters read like
a mini-biography from his
birth to education to meeting
his wife and his first job. This
former tie salesman reinvigo-
rates the classics and forever
changes the polo shirt.
Nearing 90
By Judith Viorst, Simon &
Shuster, $17
Judith Viorst’
s
poems are
candid, funny
and original.
So what if her
knee replace-
ment needs to
be replaced or she’
s listening
to more eulogies than sym-
phonies. Readers at any age
need laughter, and Viorst is a
master. Viorst has a book of
poems for every decade since
she turned 30.
And let’
s not forget her
beloved children’
s book
Alexander and the Terrible,
Horrible, No Good, Very Bad
Day.
We Stand Divided: The Rift
Between Jews and Israel
By Daniel Gordis, Ecco
HarperCollins, $26.99
Gordis delves into the dif-
ferences in perspectives
between American Jews and
Israelis, dating from pre-
State days to the present.
Today, many American Jews
are frustrated with Israel’
s
polices, while many Israelis
believe Americans are out of
touch with Israeli realities
and issues. This book elicits
an academic, thoughtful
conversation.
FOR EVERYONE
Hanukkah in a Book:
Jacket comes off. Candles
pop up. Display and cele-
brate! Uplifting Editions,
Abrams Noterie, $16.99
Celebrate
the story of
Chanukah,
by retelling
the story and
the signifi-
cance of the
holiday every
night as each
page produces a pop-up
candle. Traditional prayers
and songs are included. At
the end, there is a beautiful
menorah.
Children, parents and
grandparents can read this
together and create their
own Festival of Lights. This
unique book is an inspira-
tional gift for all.
Chag Sameach!
Carla Schwartz is a former JN colum-
nist and magazine editor. Her blog is
motownsavvy.com.
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